Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan: Social and Civil Development

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What discussions they have held with the Governments of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to encourage social and civil development.

Baroness Amos: There have been discussions with the Governments of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). This aims to build a partnership between governments, commercial enterprises and civil society organisations with the aim of increasing transparency of revenues generated from extracted industries (oil, gas and mining). Both governments have indicated their support for the initiative and are currently considering how best to implement it. Azerbaijan
	The Secretary of State held discussions with President Ilham Aliev of Azerbaijan in October 2003. These included the implementation of EITI and the need to draw upon civil society groups.
	Further discussions were held during the recent DfID mission to Azerbaijan (November 2003). Emphasis was placed on EITI providing the opportunity to build up civil society and the need for transparency.

North/South Implementation Bodies

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 19 November (WA 323) concerning North/South Implementation Bodies, why the staff costs of the Special European Union Programmes Body increased by over 100 per cent between 2001 and 2002.

Baroness Amos: Staff costs for the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) increased by 56 per cent between 2001 (£587,574) and 2002 (£914,491). Average SEUPB staff numbers increased from 21 to 33 (57 per cent) over the same period.
	Beginning late 2001, the SEUPB undertook a series of recruitment exercises to bring the number of permanent staff up to the NSMC approved complement. Many of the civil servants seconded to the SEUPB at the time of its establishment were thus able to return to their departments. The SEUPB also recruited temporary staff during 2002 to cover maternity leave and short-term peaks in workload. In addition, former Northern Ireland Partnership Board staff were seconded to the SEUPB during the first half of 2002 to complete work on the closure of PEACE I.

Ulster-Scots Agency

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 13 November (WA 207), whether the delay in granting approval to appoint an educational language officer is satisfactory.

Baroness Amos: The board of the Ulster-Scots Agency has considered a draft job description and has indicated that it requires amendments. The sponsor departments will continue to assist the agency to obtain the necessary approvals once a job description has been agreed by the agency.

Northern Ireland: Ombudsmen

Lord Glentoran: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many ombudsmen are currently employed in Northern Ireland; and how much they cost.

Baroness Amos: There are two ombudsmen in Northern Ireland—the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints (also known as the Northern Ireland Ombudsman) and the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. The total gross expenditure of their two offices for 2002–03 was £1,077,000 and £6,859,000 respectively.

Northern Ireland: Oversight Commissioners

Lord Glentoran: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many oversight commissioners there are in Northern Ireland; and how much they cost.

Baroness Amos: The following bodies have oversight roles in Northern Ireland:
	
		
			  Total Gross Expenditure for 2002–2003 
			 Office of the Oversight Commissioner for Policing £751,000.00 
			 Criminal Justice Oversight Commissioner A Criminal Justice Oversight Commissioner was appointed on 18 June 2003. It is expected that the total costs of his office will be around £500,000 per annum.

Strangford Lough

Lord Kilclooney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Why mobile gear fishing has been banned in Strangford Lough; what consultation was held with interested parties prior to the ban; and when the report on the horse mussel community in Strangford Lough will be made available.

Baroness Amos: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development had to act quickly to introduce an immediate ban on mobile fishing gear in Strangford Lough, to avoid further possible damage to ecological features which underpinned the designation of the lough as a candidate Special Area of Conservation.
	The ban is consistent with the Department's obligations under the Habitats Directive. Regrettably there was not time for the consultation normally expected in these circumstances.
	The Department of the Environment will shortly publish an interim report on the horse mussel community in Strangford Lough. This will set out the results of a diving survey carried out in summer 2003, and is part of a wider investigation into the ecological status of the lough which is due to report in February 2004.

Afghanistan: Reconstruction

Lord Judd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What are their latest estimates of the funds needed for the reconstruction of Afghanistan; and what is the total sum so far pledged by the international community.

Baroness Amos: A needs assessment for the reconstruction of Afghanistan was undertaken by the World Bank, the United Nations and the Asia Development Bank. It estimated that 10 billion US dollars would be required over five years.
	The international donor community met in Tokyo in January 2002 and pledged 4.5 billion dollars for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. The Afghan Government have now reported that this total has increased to over 5.9 billion dollars. This does not, however, represent the full amount that will be provided over that period, as some donors are only able to pledge for periods shorter than five years.
	The Afghanistan Transitional Administration is currently undertaking a revised needs assessment, which is likely to be presented in early 2004.

Heavily Indebted Poor Countries

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether it is correct that Cambodia, Georgia, Haiti and Afghanistan do not qualify for debt relief, although they are eligible under the rules of heavily indebted poor countries; and, if so, what action they will take to remedy this.

Baroness Amos: The list of countries eligible for debt relief under the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative is not fixed. Any country can be added to the list if it meets the three eligibility criteria: the country must be eligible only for concessional lending from the IMF and World Bank; it must face an unsustainable debt burden after the application of traditional debt relief mechanisms; and it must have demonstrated its commitment to poverty reduction.
	Those countries that are not eligible for debt relief under the HIPC initiative can still approach the Paris Club (the unofficial grouping of major bilateral creditors) for relief. In December 1994, Paris Club creditors agreed to implement a new treatment, "Naples terms", on the debt of the poorest countries. Eligibility for the Naples terms is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the track record of the debtor country with the Paris Club and the IMF, and various criteria, including having a high level of indebtedness, being only eligible for IDA financing from the World Bank, and having a GDP-per-capita of 755 dollars or less. Creditors agreed in September 1999 that all Naples terms treatments would carry a 67 per cent. debt reduction.
	On the basis of current debt ratios, none of the four countries named would be eligible for the HIPC initiative, but Haiti could potentially meet the Naples criteria. Cambodia received Naples terms relief in 1995 and its debt:export ratio is currently slightly higher than the 150 per cent. threshold. Around 80 per cent. of this debt is bilateral debt owed to Russia and the US. The latest available figures for Georgia suggest that their debt:export ratio is below 150 per cent. Haiti has a level of external debt significantly above 150 per cent. of exports, but would need to make significant progress in strengthening governance and institutions before it could qualify for debt relief. Finally, World Bank country data for Afghanistan give its debt:export ratio as significantly below 150 per cent.
	The UK stands ready to provide generous debt reduction should these countries meet the relevant criteria and approach the Paris Club for debt relief.

Heavily Indebted Poor Countries

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will provide a table showing the external debts of heavily indebted poor countries in 1983 and in 2003 and indicating for each country (a) debts at beginning and end of the period; (b) amount of both principal and interest written off; (c) amount of current debt per head of population; (d) current average income per person; and (e) the amount of debt likely to be remitted in each country over the next two years, as a result of negotiations pending.

Baroness Amos: The table below shows data for the 27 heavily indebted poor countries (HIPCs) that have qualified for debt relief under the enhanced HIPC initiative. These are the only HIPCs in which the IMF and World Bank have carried out debt sustainability analyses. Most of the HIPC countries that have still to qualify for the relief have yet to emerge from prolonged conflict and accurate figures are not available.
	A meaningful comparison between debt levels in 1983 and 2003 is almost impossible, as the figures for these years have been calculated in different ways. Furthermore, figures for 1983 are based on 1983 prices and those for 2003 are based on 2003 prices.
	Figures for debt relief do not include additional bilateral assistance outside of the HIPC initiative, nor do they include any topping-up of debt relief that could potentially be provided. Total debt relief in 2003 will therefore be greater than that shown.
	A breakdown of total HIPC relief is unavailable, so amounts of both principal and interest written off have not been included in the table. In addition, debt per head of population is not typically used to show a country's level of indebtedness. A more accurate indicator would be the debt: export or debt: government revenue ratios.
	Figures for 2003 are not yet available for GDP per capita. Again, the use of constant 1995 prices makes it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions from these data. Finally, rather than showing debt relief likely to be remitted over the next two years, the table shows the total debt stock being written off under the HIPC initiative, since this relief is already being delivered on the flow of repayments.
	
		External Debts of Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) Initiative Countries in 1983 and 2003
		
			   2003 
			 Heavily Indebted Poor Country Total Nominal Debt in millions of US$ 1983(1) Before Debt Relief (NPV of total debt in millions of US$)(1) Debt after unconditional delivery of enhanced HIPC assistance (NPV of total debt in millions of US$)(1) Total debt relief delivered though traditional debt relief and HIPC (NPV in millions of US$)(1) Debt per head of population on (in US$) GDP per capita 2002 (constant 1995 US$)(1) 
			 Benin 649.4 892.9 639.3 253.6 96.81 435 
			 Bolivia 3,254.9 4,261.3 2,707 1,554.3 311.25 947 
			 Burkina Faso 358.1 1,003.3 662.4 340.9 55.9 258 
			 Cameroon 2,002.3 6,783 3,471 3,312 223.61 711 
			 Chad 200.6 754.6 595.0 159.5 73.06 248 
			 DRC 4,433.4 7,854.4 1,557.6 6,296.8 28.95 87 
			 Ethiopia(1) 3,648.8 n/a n/a 1,275 n/a 124 
			 Gambia 151.7 276.0 214.6 61.4 155.99 374 
			 Ghana 1,221 3,974.6 2,154.3 1,820.3 107.33 432 
			 Guinea 1,212 1,685.7 1,267.8 417.9 167.71 628 
			 Guinea-Bissau 159.2 546 112 434 89.41 193 
			 Guyana 751.8 1,091 663 458 858.84 938 
			 Honduras 1,629.2 3,053.0 2,936.9 89.1 43.47 711 
			 Madagascar 1,685.7 3,281.9 1,519.3 1,762.6  217 
			 Malawi 702.3 1,530.0 918.0 612.0 85.45 162 
			 Mali 898.8 1,570 1,103 467 97.21 313 
			 Mauritania 1,105.8 1,552.6 795.9 356.7 281.43 513 
			 Mozambique 421.7 2,940 1,093 1,847 59.28 229 
			 Nicaragua 3,407 5,645.7 1,395.5 4,250.2 261.58 Data not available 
			 Niger 656.3 1,182.5 554.8 627.7 48.07 207 
			 Rwanda 213.3 771.4 317.3 454.1 38.87 295 
			 Sao Tome and Principe 42.8 203 33 170 213.99 347 
			 Senegal 1,664.1 2,663 2,225.8 437.2 222.43 628 
			 Sierra Leone 531.8 849.7 225.3 624.4 43.03 165 
			 Tanzania 3,969 5,210.0 2,820.1 2,389.9 80.16 204 
			 Uganada(1) 600.6 n/a n/a 1,003 n/a 367 
			 Zambia 2,509.4 5,177.3 2,135.4 3,041.9 204.13 410 
		
	
	(1) Source:
	World Development Bank, Global Development Finance Online. Figures show levels of public and publicly guaranteed debt.
	(1) Source:
	World Bank Group, World Development Indicators Online.
	(1) Source:
	HIPC Decision Point Documents. Figures show Net Present Value of total debt in millions of US$.
	(1) As above.
	(1) Source:
	HIPC Decision Point Documents. Figures show Net Present Value of total debt relief in millions of US$.
	(1) Figures of total relief for Ethiopia are for HIPC relief only and do not include "traditional" debt relief. A reliable debt stock figure for 2003 is not available.
	(1) Figures of total relief for Uganda are for HIPC relief only and do not include "traditional" relief. A reliable debt stock figure for 2003 is not available.

House of Lords: September Sittings

Lord Cope of Berkeley: asked the Leader of the House:
	What figures are available relating to the additional costs of the works programme, the Line of Route and related matters arising out of sittings of the House in September 2003 and what forecast can be derived from them for September 2004.

Baroness Amos: The total additional costs arising from the September sittings of the House in 2003 cannot yet be assessed. This is largely because the major works contracts running through the summer are not yet complete and, until they are, contractors will not submit claims for expenditure resulting from any delay and disruption. These claims may then be disputed. Most contracts were also let on the basis of a September sitting, not a 12-week recess.
	The House authorities estimate that the contracts were some £160,000 more expensive than they would have been, which amounts to about 1 per cent of the average summer works spend, and is due mainly to the need to accelerate work on certain areas required by Members during the sittings.
	No useful forecast can be made for September 2004 while the figures for 2003 are unknown. Some costs will be unavoidable if only one House sits.

Northern Ireland: Inward Investment

Lord Kilclooney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether Invest Northern Ireland has had any contact with IKEA to locate a base in Northern Ireland; and whether any support has been extended to IKEA for such new investment.

Baroness Amos: Invest Northern Ireland has had no direct contact with IKEA regarding an investment within the retail sector in Northern Ireland. No financial assistance has been extended to IKEA as the retail sector is not within Invest Northern Ireland's remit for support.

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will publish the attendance records at commission meetings of all the members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission since 1999; and what measurement they have used to calculate the success of the work of the commission and of its individual members.

Baroness Amos: Minutes of all commission meetings from 1 March 1999 to the present are available on the commissions's website www.nihrc.org. Each set of minutes lists those commissioners who attended each meeting. Since 2003, the attendance of each commissioner has also been recorded in the commission's annual report (laid before this House in July 2003).
	The commission is required by paragraph 5(1) of Schedule 7 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to submit an annual report to the Secretary of State. The report shows how the commission has performed its functions during the year in accordance with its statutory role and responsibilities. The Secretary of State is required to lay a copy of this report before Parliament.
	The contribution of individual commission members is a matter for the Chief Commissioner.

Parliamentary Pay and Allowances

Baroness Turner of Camden: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When the Senior Salaries Review Body will next review parliamentary pay and allowances.

Baroness Amos: In 1996 the Senior Salaries Review Body recommended that Parliamentary pay and allowances should be reviewed every three years, commencing in 2000. In line with this recommendation my right honourable friend the Prime Minister has recently written to John Baker, the Chairman of the Senior Salaries Review Body, asking the body to report next year.

Council of Europe and Western European Union: British Delegation

Lord Clinton-Davis: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will publish the full composition of the United Kingdom delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Assembly of Western European Union.

Baroness Amos: The United Kingdom Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Assembly of Western European Union is as follows:
	
		
			 Full Representatives Substitute Representatives 
			 Tony Lloyd MP (Leader) 
			 Mr David Atkinson MP Mr Tony Banks MP 
			 Mr Malcolm Bruce MP Baroness Billingham 
			 Sir Sydney Chapman MP Mr Peter Bottomley MP 
			 Mr Tom Cox MP Lord Burlison 
			 Rt Hon Terry Davis MP Rt Hon George Foulkes MP 
			 Mr Bill Etherington MP Ms Jane Griffiths MP 
			 Mr Paul Flynn MP Mr Michael Hancock CBE MP 
			 Lord Judd Baroness Hooper 
			 Baroness Knight of Collingtree Rt Hon Lord Kilclooney 
			 Christine McCafferty MP Mr Khalid Mahmood MP 
			 Mr Kevin McNamara MP Mr Humfrey Malins CBE MP 
			 Mr Jin Marshall MP Mr David Marshall MP 
			 Mr Edward O'Hara MP Mr Alan Meale MP 
			 Lord Russell-Johnston Mr Gordon Prentice MP 
			 Sir Teddy Taylor MP Miss Geraldine Smith MP 
			 Mr John Wilkinson MP Lord Tomlinson 
			 Mr Jimmy Wray MP Dr Rudolf Vis MP 
			  Mr Robert Walter MP

Prisoners: Heroin Users

Lord Chadlington: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 8 September (WA 35), what work is being done inside prisons to help the 31 per cent of prisoners who were opiate users before conviction.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: A comprehensive range of drug treatment services is available to drug misusers in prisons, including opiate misusers. These services include: detoxification (a clinical service which is available at all local/remand prisons); counselling, assessment, referral, advice and through-care services (CARATs)—a low-level intervention that provides a gateway assessment, referral and support service to prisoners both within custody and upon their initial release and is available at all prisons; and intensive drug treatment programmes (60 of which are available across the prison estate).

Young Offenders: High Intensity Training Programme

Lord Chadlington: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 8 September (WA 36), whether they intend to expand the high intensity training programme to other young offenders institutions.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The high intensity training programme is currently being run at Thorn Cross young offender institution. Funds were allocated from the Spending Review 2000 settlement to extend the programme to Deerbolt young offender institution. The planning for the extension and related reconstruction work is under way and the programme is planned to start in June 2004.

Prisons: Visitors' Centres

Lord Elton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 13 November (WA 214) concerning visitors centres in prisons, whether they will publish the letter therein referred to in the Official Report.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: I can confirm that a copy of my reply will be placed in the Library as soon as it is available.

HM Inspector of Prisons

Lord Elton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 19 November (WA 292) concerning HM Inspector of Prisons, whether they will arrange for the publication in the Official Report of the letter referred to therein.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: I can confirm that a copy of the letter will be placed in the Official Report.

Criminal Offences

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether new criminal offences have been created by
	(a) the Criminal Justice Act 2003; and
	(b) the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003; and if so, whether they will list such offences and the dates from which they are expected to come into effect.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: No new criminal offences were created by the Criminal Justice Act 2003. The Anti-social Behaviour Act created a number of new offences: Closure of premises where drugs are used unlawfully Remaining on or entering premises in contravention of a closure notice. Obstructing a constable or authorised person acting under Section 1(6) (service of a closure notice) or Section 3(2) (entering the premises or doing anything reasonably necessary to secure the premises against entry). Remaining on premises in respect of which a closure order has been made. Entering the premises. Dispersal of groups Knowingly contravening a direction given under Section 30(4) (to disperse, to leave the relevant locality or prohibiting a return to the relevant locality). Firearms Carrying an air weapon (whether loaded or not) or an imitation firearm in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. Possession by a person under the age of 17 of an air weapon or ammunition for an air weapon. Firing by a 14 to 16 year-old of an air weapon beyond the boundary of private land under the circumstances where he has the permission of the occupier to shoot unsupervised. Possessing, purchasing or acquiring, or manufacturing, selling or transferring any air rifle, air gun or air pistol which uses, or is designed or adapted for use with, a self-contained gas cartridge system. If at the time that this provision comes into force, a person has such a weapon, it will be an offence to continue possession without a licence. The environment Permitting premises to be open without reasonable excuse in contravention of a closure order issued because a public nuisance is being caused by noise coming from the premises. Selling an aerosol paint container to a person under the age of 16. Public order and trespass Making preparations for or attending a rave within 24 hours of a direction being given under Section 63(2) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 where a person knows the direction has been given which applies to them. Failure by a person to leave land as soon as reasonably practicable when knowing that a direction under Section 62A of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 has been given which applies to them. Entering any land in the area of the relevant local authority as a trespasser with the intention of residing there within three months of a direction under Section 62A being given. High hedges Failing to comply with a remedial notice to take action in relation to a high hedge. Intentionally obstructing a person exercising the powers to enter the neighbouring land in order to carry out their functions under the Act. We expect all of these measures to be brought into effect during 2004.

Mr Lumituri Shala

Lord Bradshaw: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will give reasons why, after three adjournments of the case of Mr Lumituri Shala on 30 October, an "all options" pre-sentence report was not available when he appeared on a charge of driving while disqualified at East Berkshire Magistrates' Court sitting in Bracknell; what implications arise from this case: and what actions will result.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: It is not normal practice to comment on an individual case which is referred to the National Probation Service. I have asked the Director General of the National Probation Service to request a report of the circumstances from the Chief Officer for the Thames Valley area and I will write to the noble Lord when this has been received.

Counter-terrorism Activities Funding

Lord Smith of Leigh: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the increasing cost of countering terrorism should be funded by council taxpayers through the police precepts.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The annual police funding settlement provides grant support for the full range of policing services and takes account of the financial pressures on all police authorities. Details of the provisional police funding settlement for 2004–05 were announced on 19 November. On top of the settlement, additional grants totalling £69 million are being made available to police authorities to counter terrorism.
	It is a matter for police authorities to set final budgets and precepts, taking local needs into account. We expect authorities to set budgets that do not place excessive burdens on local taxpayers.

West Bank: Collective Punishments

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they consider the demolition of flats adjacent to one occupied by a person suspected or accused of terrorism, or other collective punishments, constitute crimes under international humanitarian law; and, if so, what action they are able to take in respect of recent events in the occupied West Bank.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The destruction of Palestinian infrastructure for the purpose of collective punishment is contrary to international humanitarian law. Furthermore, we believe such actions are provocative, and serve only to exacerbate tension and undermine efforts to bring about an end to violence and a return to negotiations. We have called on the Government of Israel to stop these demolitions and to ensure their actions in the Occupied Territories fall within international law. I last raised my concerns about the demolition of Palestinian homes with Israel's Ambassador, Mr Zvi Shtauber, on 22 October.

Iraq: Political Institutions

Lord Judd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What are the specific proposals for the role of the United Nations in the evolution of political institutions in Iraq.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The vital role of the United Nations in Iraq has been set out in Security Council Resolutions 1483, 1500 and 1511. In particular, UNSCR 1511 requested the Secretary-General to make available, as circumstances allow, the resources of the United Nations to support Iraqi institutions in drafting a new constitution and in the holding of democratic elections.
	On 15 November, the President of the Iraqi Governing Council announced the new plan outlining the timetable for the drafting of the constitution and holding of elections. He also asked the Security Council to appoint a new Special Representative to Iraq, and formally requested a UN role in support of the political process.
	In his report of 10 December, Kofi Annan announced the appointment of Ross Mountain as interim UN Special Representative to Iraq and set out his views on the UN role in Iraq, outlining the UN's willingness to lend its assistance to the electoral and constitutional processes, subject to circumstances and an Iraqi request. He also set out a wide range of potential UN activities in humanitarian, development, human rights and civil society fields. We welcome the UN position, and will work with the Secretary-General to ensure the UN can play a vital role as set out in UNSCR 1511, in particular in support of the political process.

United Nations Convention Against Torture

Lord Berkeley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When the United Kingdom will ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The United Kingdom ratified the optional protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) when our permanent representative to the UN deposited the instrument of ratification with the UN Secretary-General on 10 December.
	The UK will become the first member of the European Union and the third country in the world to ratify the optional protocol. The UK believes that the protocol will promote a more intensive and concerted approach to eradicate torture through a preventive system of regular, independent visits to places of detention. We will now undertake a campaign urging other countries to sign, ratify and implement both the Convention Against Torture and the optional protocol. The protocol will come into force when 20 countries have ratified it.
	The UK is committed to the fight against torture. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's anti-torture initiative, launched in 1998, continues to provide a focus for us on this issue. The UK played an important role in securing the adoption of the optional protocol in 2002 by undertaking extensive lobbying of countries around the world to support the protocol. The follow-up to our ratification of the OPCAT will be an important part of the current phase of the initiative. jenny

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Travel Advice

Lord Berkeley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will review the basis of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's travel advice and security strategy for its posts abroad.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: There is to be a review of the basis of the FCO's travel advice, and an internal review of the FCO's security strategy for its posts abroad. Terms of reference are annexed. The conclusion of the travel advice review will be placed before both Houses.
	Since September 11, 2001, it has been increasingly clear that we face a form of international terrorism which aims not only to take life randomly by suicide attack, but which seeks to use fear and instability to undermine the freedom and prosperity which the terrorists hate.
	Our policy must be to deny the terrorists any advantage. We must take prudent precautions, while minimising the disruption which terrorists want to cause. Some disruption is, of course, inevitable if we are to make likely targets as secure as we can. But we must all be clear that total security is not possible. Everybody who goes about their business in a modern city and elsewhere makes a balanced judgment of risk against security. People continue to go about their daily lives—vigilantly, amid sound precautions—because they are not prepared to give the terrorists satisfaction. Our determination to maintain as normal a life as possible is a weapon against terrorism.
	It is important that British citizens travelling abroad should have the best possible information on risk, from the Government. We have extensively reviewed and improved our travel advice since Bali. But we have asked officials to look again at some of the underlying issues, in light of recent experience. What is the right balance between information, warning and advice? We are clear that our advice should give the most detailed and timely factual information possible, but in what circumstances should this information be complemented, where appropriate, with advice not to travel? What is the impact and the cost of our warnings not to travel? And what would be the implications of a different approach? We may conclude that the nature of our advice is as good as we can make it, or we may find that improvements are necessary. We will be seeking as many views as possible including, of course, that of Members of both Houses.
	Security is always at the top of our agenda. We keep the security of all our posts under constant review and frequently re-assess the risks and the measures needed to manage them in the light of changing threat levels. Funds have been authorised for the most urgent expenditure. Following the attack on our consulate in Istanbul, which showed that our overseas missions and staff are in the front line, we immediately asked all posts to check their security measures. We are also looking at additional measures we can take at high-risk posts. In addition, we have instigated an internal review of the FCO's security strategy, in particular the balance between security and operational effectiveness.
	The terms of reference for these reviews are as follows: Travel Advice Review Terms of Reference (i) How can FCO advice best help UK travellers?
	How can our travel advice best help its users to make informed, responsible decisions about possible risks overseas, particularly from terrorism, and ways they can minimise them?
	What should be the balance in our travel advice between information, warning and advice (ie between description of risks in particular countries and prescription of action in response)?;
	How far can risk analysis and its presentation be made more objective (eg through statistical analysis and comparison with non-terrorist hazards)?
	What would be the implications of variations in this balance for the FCO, others in HMG who help produce the advice, and its users?
	How do we link threat level assessments and public information?
	How far should we take into consideration the capabilities of host governments in reaching decisions on travel advice? (ii) What are the wider implications of FCO travel advice?
	In responding to a terrorist attack, how can we ensure prudent precaution does not become over-reaction which risks playing into the hands of the terrorists? Methodology
	During the review we will consult key stakeholders:
	Departments within HM Government, including the Home Office, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department for Transport, the Ministry of Defence and the Cabinet Office;
	Users of travel advice, including the travel industry, the insurance industry, the public (via website feedback), and non-governmental organisations;
	Analogous governments, including the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and European partners;
	Governments of destination countries. Timescale
	We aim to complete the review by the end of January 2004. Security Review Terms of Reference To review the basis for the FCO's security strategy. In particular to re-examine the balance between security and operational effectiveness.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Arms Embargo

Lord Berkeley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they have recently made any exemptions to the United Nations or European Union arms embargo on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Following consultations with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Trade and Industry issued a licence for the export to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of body armour and military helmets. This equipment will be used by the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, who are part of the United Nations operation in the DRC.
	UN Security Council Resolution (SCR) 1493 (2003), adopted on 28 July 2003, implemented an embargo on the provision of arms and any related material to all armed groups operating in the east of the country. Operative Paragraph 21 of the SCR provides an exemption to the embargo for "supplies of non-lethal equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use . . . ".

Service Attributable Pensions

Baroness Turner of Camden: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What plans they have to pay further ex-gratia compensation for the incorrect deduction of tax from Service attributable pensions.

Lord Bach: The report of the internal inquiry into the incorrect deduction of tax from Service attributable pensions recommended that, in addition to the Inland Revenue refund and repayment supplement, consideration should be given to further compensation for those affected by the error. The Inland Revenue allowed a significant concession in waiving the time limits that normally apply in refunds of tax. However, representations have been made that the Ministry of Defence should pay further compensation to those pensioners for whom the effect of the error persisted over a considerable number of years. The Government accept that, where individuals suffer a financial loss as a result of the Government's administrative errors, then the onus is on that department to restore those individuals to the position they would have enjoyed had the errors not occurred. The Ministry of Defence has already accepted responsibility for the errors which led to tax being wrongly deducted and has apologised unreservedly. We further accept that, in certain cases, payments made so far have not provided full compensation for the cost of the errors to individuals.
	We have therefore decided that further ex-gratia compensation will be paid to those who were in receipt of pensions outside the normal six-year Inland Revenue repayment period. Compensation will be calculated by applying compound interest, using the retail prices index plus 2 per cent, to the tax wrongly deducted, net of the estimated repayment by the Inland Revenue. We will also pay ex-gratia compensation, calculated in the same way, to those who suffered from the related error of delays in payment of benefits under the Armed Forces pension scheme, including using the Inland Revenue repayment formula for compensation for errors within the normal six-year period. Payment will be made as quickly as possible.
	It will, however, take some months to complete all payments because the necessary data on each individual are held mainly on manual records. We deeply regret the errors made but we hope that this offer of compensation will draw matters to a satisfactory conclusion.
	Finally, I would like to express my considerable gratitude to those pensioners, in particular Major John Perry and Captain John Lewis, who have worked tirelessly to bring this matter to our attention and to help with its resolution.

Armed Forces' Pay Review Body: Service Medical and Dental Officers

Baroness Hilton of Eggardon: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What the final recommendations are of the Armed Forces' Pay Review Board on the pay of Service medical and dental officers.

Lord Bach: The supplement to the 2003 report of the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body making final recommendations on the pay of Service medical and dental officers has been published today. Copies of the supplement are available in the Vote Office and the Library of the House.
	The review body recommends a final increase of 6.8 per cent for all Regular and Reserve defence medical services medical and dental officers, in addition to the 3.2 per cent interim award already implemented on 1 April 2003, representing a total increase of 10 per cent. The review body also recommends a pay increase of 3.225 per cent for medical and dental cadets and an out-of-hours supplementary payment of £8,500 to junior doctors. In addition, the review body recommends that there should be no further increase in the values of sustained quality payments, trainer pay and distinction awards, above the interim 3.2 per cent increase already implemented.
	The cost of these recommendations to the defence budget, including the interim award already implemented, will be some £14.5 million. This will be met within existing departmental expenditure limits.
	The review body's final recommendations are to be accepted in full, with implementation effective from 1 April 2003.

Schools: Attainment of Pupils

Lord Northbourne: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether, and if so to what extent, girls are performing better in maintained schools than boys; and whether, if this is the case, there are significant variations in this respect between ethnic groups.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: The tables below show, for pupils in maintained schools in England, the attainment of boys, girls and all pupils from different ethnic backgrounds at key stages 1, 2 and 3 and GCSE/GNVQ in 2002. The figures indicate the proportions of pupils achieving:
	(a) level 2 or above at key stage 1
	(b) level 4 or above at key stage 2
	(c) level 5 or above at key stage 3
	(d) 5 or more grades A*–C GCSE/GNVQ
	
		
			  Reading Writing Maths 
			 Ethnic Group Boys Girls All Boys Girls All Boys Girls All 
			  (a) Key Stage 1—Percentage of pupils achieving level 2 or above 
			 White 81 89 85 83 91 87 90 92 91 
			 Black Caribbean 75 85 80 75 86 80 83 88 85 
			 Black African 75 82 79 76 84 80 82 86 84 
			 Black Other 77 86 82 77 88 82 86 88 87 
			 Bangladeshi 70 76 73 73 81 77 81 83 82 
			 Pakistani 72 79 75 74 83 78 81 83 82 
			 Indian 86 90 88 87 93 90 91 93 92 
			 Chinese 87 92 89 88 94 91 95 97 96 
			 Other 77 83 80 79 87 83 87 89 88 
			 Unclassified 73 80 76 74 82 78 83 85 84 
			 New Codes 81 89 85 83 92 87 90 92 91 
			 All ethnic groups 80 88 84 82 90 86 89 91 90 
			  (b) Key Stage 2—Percentage of pupils achieving level 4 or above 
			 White 71 80 75 73 74 74 87 87 87 
			 Black Caribbean 58 73 66 59 63 61 78 82 80 
			 Black African 62 72 67 64 66 65 76 79 77 
			 Black Other 62 75 69 64 67 65 82 84 83 
			 Bangladeshi 60 70 65 63 63 63 76 77 77 
			 Pakistani 55 64 59 61 58 59 72 72 72 
			 Indian 74 82 78 79 79 79 87 88 88 
			 Chinese 79 87 83 90 90 90 91 94 92 
			 Other 66 76 71 71 73 72 83 84 83 
			 Unclassified 66 74 69 68 68 67 81 81 80 
			 New Codes 71 80 76 73 74 74 87 87 87 
			 All ethnic groups 70 79 74 73 73 73 86 86 86 
			  (c) Key Stage 3—Percentage of pupils achieving level 5 or above 
			 White 59 76 67 68 69 68 68 68 68 
			 Black Caribbean 40 64 52 45 50 47 43 50 47 
			 Black African 48 65 56 49 53 51 47 52 49 
			 Black Other 47 69 58 52 55 53 48 56 52 
			 Bangladeshi 46 67 57 53 51 52 44 44 44 
			 Pakistani 46 63 54 50 49 50 43 44 43 
			 Indian 69 83 76 74 74 74 69 70 70 
			 Chinese 73 86 79 87 88 87 79 81 80 
			 Other 54 71 62 62 64 63 59 62 60 
			 Unclassified 54 73 63 65 66 65 64 66 65 
			 New Codes 58 71 63 64 64 63 65 63 62 
			 All ethnic groups 58 75 66 67 67 67 66 67 66 
		
	
	
		
			  5 A*–C 
			 Ethnic Group Boys Girls All 
			  (d) GCSE/GNVQ—Percentage of 15 year-old pupils achieving 
			 5 or more grades A*–C 
			 White 46 57 52 
			 Black Caribbean 23 38 31 
			 Black African 34 47 40 
			 Black Other 30 45 38 
			 Bangladeshi 40 50 45 
			 Pakistani 34 46 40 
			 Indian 58 70 64 
			 Chinese 71 77 73 
			 Other 44 58 50 
			 Unclassified 43 55 49 
			 New Codes 21 29 25 
			 All ethnic groups 44 55 49

Schools: Parenthood Education

Lord Northbourne: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether all children are being taught in school the responsibilities and consequences attendant on the conception of a child; and if so, whether they consider that this education is successful; and
	Whether they consider that young people are adequately educated and prepared for responsibilities of parenthood.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: Through personal, social and health education (PSHE) all pupils should learn about taking on responsibility and the consequences of their actions in relation to sexual activity and parenthood. Sex and relationship education should give young people a clear understanding of the arguments for delaying sexual activity. There has been a 10 per cent fall in the under-18 conception rate since 1998. This is an encouraging sign of progress in implementing the teenage pregnancy strategy, a key element of which is improved sex and relationship education.
	The Government believe that parents are the principal providers of guidance about parenting and family life. The introduction of citizenship education alongside the PSHE framework, providing for pupils to be taught about responsibilities whether moral, social, or parental, effectively complement the personal and social development of pupils provided at home.

Speech Therapy

Baroness Uddin: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the Department of Health has planned a recruitment drive to attract specialist speech therapists

Lord Warner: The Government are implementing a range of measures to recruit more healthcare professionals, including speech and language therapists. These include improving pay and conditions, encouraging the National Health Service to become a better, more flexible and diverse employer, increasing training, investing in childcare and continuing professional development, attracting back returners and running national and international recruitment campaigns. As at September 2002, there were 5,960 speech and language therapists employed in the NHS, an increase of 1,089 or 22 per cent since 1997.

Prescription Charges

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What data are available on the number of prescriptions written in England for English residents, but taken to chemists in Wales to dispense so as to avoid prescription charges.

Lord Warner: The data available in England are in respect of the total number of items prescribed in Wales and dispensed in the community in England. Data in respect of items prescribed in England and dispensed in Wales are a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

Prescription Charges

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How the Department of Health is working with the National Assembly for Wales to avoid abuse of free prescriptions for under 25 year-olds in Wales.

Lord Warner: The Department of Health has regular contacts with the National Assembly for Wales at all levels on a wide range of health issues. However, prescription charges and exemption arrangements within Wales are a matter for the National Assembly itself.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Lord Roberts of Conwy: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will publish a comparative table showing hospital waiting lists in England and Wales.

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether there is a difference in the definition of waiting lists and waiting times for specific specialities and services between England and Wales.

Lord Warner: For England waiting times information is collected from all National Health Service trusts and primary care trusts where these organisations provide either a consultant-led inpatient service or a consultant-led outpatient service or both. The information is collected at specialty level and covers waits for elective inpatient admission and first consultant outpatient appointment following general practitioner or general dental practitioner referral. The information is also collected on a commissioner basis and primary care trusts submit specialty level data on patients waiting for services for which they have commissioned.
	Waiting lists for England are published by English commissioners and providers on the following website www.doh.gov.uk/waitingtimes. Welsh waiting lists are a devolved matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

Elections: Postal Voting

Lord Norton of Louth: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What steps they are taking to ensure the security of the ballot in elections held by postal voting.

Lord Filkin: There are already in place arrangements designed to protect the security of postal votes, in that postal voters are required to include with their returned ballot paper a declaration verifying their identity.
	The Government recognise though that there has been some public concern about the security of all-postal elections. While the Electoral Commission's evaluation of the pilots held at the 2002 and 2003 local elections found no evidence of absent voting leading to an increase in fraudulent activity, the Government are not complacent. Therefore, the European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill includes two specific security measures—extending the power of arrest without warrant for personation to any location; and extending the time by which a prosecution must be commenced.
	Further security measures, such as the use of watermarked or 'under-printed' ballot papers will also be included in the order setting out the detailed arrangements for the individual pilot schemes.
	The Government are also actively considering which Electoral Commission recommendations aimed at increasing security and improving public confidence should become permanently included in UK electoral legislation.

Radio Frequency Identification Tags

The Earl of Northesk: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they consider that the use of radio frequency identification tags on consumer goods represents risk to civil liberty and privacy; and, if so, whether they have any plans to initiate an inquiry into such use.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on consumer goods does not represent a risk to civil liberty or privacy. RFID tags merely identify objects and where such data are associated with personal information the provisions of the Data Protection Act apply. The Department of Trade and Industry sees no need for an inquiry into the use of RFID technologies at this time.
	The Department of Trade and Industry is monitoring trends and developments in the use of RFID technology and is engaged with RFID technology suppliers, users, consumer and civil liberties representatives, the Home Office and the Department of Constitutional Affairs to identify real and perceived risks and agree means of addressing these.

UK Space Strategy 2003–06 and Beyond

Baroness Hilton of Eggardon: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the UK space strategy 2003–06 and beyond has been published.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: The UK space strategy 2003–06 and beyond was published on 16 December. It was agreed after wide consultation in government and the space community and with other interested parties. It sets out our objectives of enhancing the UK's standing in astronomy, planetary and environmental sciences; stimulating increased productivity by promoting the use of space in government, science and commerce; and developing innovative space systems to deliver sustainable improvement in quality of life. Copies are available in the Libraries of both Houses, and on the BNSC website www.bnsc.gov.uk

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council

Lord Campbell-Savours: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What the outcome was of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council held on 1–2 December.

Baroness Hollis of Heigham: My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Smith, Member for Oxford East), my honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment Relations, Competition and Consumers (Gerry Sutcliffe, Member for Bradford South), and my right honourable friend the Minister of State for Health (John Hutton, Member for Barrow and Furness) represented the UK.
	The Council reached partial political agreement on the articles of a new regulation to replace Regulation 1408/71 co-ordinating social security systems for people moving from one member state to another. In particular, member states reached a compromise on unemployment benefit for people who live in a member state other than the one where they last worked. This relates to a reimbursement system that member states have agreed to: the last state of work will reimburse part of the unemployment benefit paid by the state of residence. The UK retains a parliamentary scrutiny on this regulation.
	The Council discussed the Commission communication on structural indicators for next year's spring Council and took note of the opinions of the Economic Policy Committee, the Working Group on Environment, Employment Committee and Social Protection Committee. The presidency invited the General Affairs and External Relations Council to adopt joint conclusions as close as possible to the existing draft.
	The Council adopted conclusions on disability, on immigration, integration and employment and on gender equality indicators. The Council also agreed a general approach on a Council decision establishing a Social Protection Committee. Council noted the other business items without comment.
	In the consumer affairs part of the Council, a resolution on the safety of services was adopted without comment. There was a general policy discussion on the proposed EC Regulation on Consumer Protection Co-operation, and the UK supported the proposal.
	The main health business related to the proposal for a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Discussion focused on the scope of the centre, which is due to be operational by 2005, with member states agreeing it should concentrate initially on communicable disease, with the possibility of broadening the remit following external evaluation of its operations at a later date. Issues still to be resolved include the legal base, where the UK retained its reserve, and data protection requirements.
	A draft Council decision was adopted authorising the Commission to negotiate the revision of the International Health Regulations under the framework of the World Health Organisation, within its area of competence.
	The Council conclusions emerging from a conference on Healthy Lifestyles: Education, Information and Communication were adopted. These cover action on lifestyles monitoring and evaluation and impact assessment, aimed to help to develop a European action plan to promote healthy lifestyles.
	The Council Recommendation on Cancer Screening advocating mass cancer screening through clearly established and scientifically proven methods in quality controlled screening programmes was also adopted, as was the Council Resolution on Pharmaceuticals and Public Health Challenges—Focusing on the Patients.
	The Council adopted Council conclusions on medical devices which acknowleged the importance of medical devices in health and social care, endorse the good work done so far and invite further work to strengthen co-ordination, interpretation and implementation of the sectoral directives in the interests of protecting public health.
	The Council received information from the Italian Presidency on the threat posed by malaria. The French delegation presented information on raising tobacco tax to help to reduce tobacco consumption and the Irish delegation presented proposals for the forthcoming Irish presidency where the emphasis will be placed on cardiovascular disease and e-health matters.
	No votes were taken at this Council.

Olympic Lottery Games

Lord Moynihan: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will provide an estimate of the projected revenue to the Exchequer resulting from the proposed Olympic lottery game.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: In the event of a successful London Olympic bid, Camelot's estimates, as reviewed by the National Lottery Commission, are that new Olympic lottery games could raise £750 million towards the costs of staging the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Lottery duty of 12 per cent of total sales would be deducted, in line with the current arrangements for all National Lottery games, resulting in estimated gross revenue to the Exchequer of approximately £340 million. However, the net increase in revenue to the Exchequer is likely to be significantly lower, perhaps in the region of £140 million. This estimate is based on Camelot's assessment that over half of new Olympic lottery sales might represent diversion from existing lottery games.

Sports Grounds

Lord Moynihan: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When the Doomsday Book of sports grounds will be finalised and printed.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: The Doomsday Book of Sports Facilities will be operational in summer 2004 through a dedicated website.
	Final information on pools and sports halls will then be added in over the following months and it is expected that the database will be completed in 2005.

Sports Grounds

Lord Moynihan: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether university and college sports grounds will be included in the Doomsday Book of sports grounds.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: University and college sports grounds will be recorded in the Doomsday Book, provided they fall under one of the categories of facilities which are to be included in the book.
	Facilities to be included are: sports halls, swimming pools; indoor tennis facilities; indoor bowls facilities; athletics tracks; synthetic turf pitches; health and fitness facilities; playing fields; and golf courses.

Consolidated Fund Bill

Baroness Hilton of Eggardon: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether a statement has been made under the Human Rights Act 1998 in connection with the Consolidated Fund Bill.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: I have made a statement under Section 19(1)(a) of the Human Rights Act 1988 that, in my view, the provisions of the Consolidated Fund Bill are compatible with the convention rights. A copy of the statement has been placed in the Library of the House.

Public Transport: Disabled People

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What measures they are taking to work with transport providers to ensure that disabled people have ease of access to all forms of public transport.

Lord Davies of Oldham: The Department for Transport is in regular contact with the transport industries, both manufacturers and operators, on all aspects of transport policy that affects the mobility of disabled people.
	It has also worked closely with the transport industries, both manufacturers and operators, as well as with disabled people in developing accessibility regulations under Part 5 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
	Regulations have already been introduced for buses and coaches used on local scheduled services and since 31 December 2000 all new vehicles have had to meet accessibility requirements. Similar requirements were introduced from 1 January 1999 for all new passenger rail vehicles. A package of proposals for taxis is being developed and we will be consulting industry, disability organisations and other interested parties in due course.

Roads: Private Finance Contracts

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	(a) what was the total amount of equity investment by W S Atkins plc or its subsidiaries in Connect Roads Limited; (b) when that investment was made; (c) for how much and when that equity investment was sold; and (d) what drawback or profit share arrangements were in place in respect of that investment; and, if none, why not.

Lord Davies of Oldham: I understand that W S Atkins was a minority shareholder in the holding company Connect Roads Limited. Her Majesty's Government do not have private finance roads contracts with Connect Roads Limited, only with subsidiaries of the holding company. Details of W S Atkins's investment in Connect Roads Limited are a commercial matter for the companies concerned to which Her Majesty's Government are not privy.
	Contracts were awarded to the subsidiaries of the holding company, Connect Road A50 Limited and Connect Road A30/A35 Limited, on 20 May 1996 and 24 July 1996 respectively.
	The purchase of W S Atkins's equity investment by Balfour Beatty was announced on 21 November 2003. The amount paid is a commercial matter for the companies concerned to which Her Majesty's Government are not privy.
	The contracts do not provide for profit sharing or clawback in cases of changes of ownership of share capital. Such transactions do not constitute refinancing.

End-of-Life Vehicles Regulations 2003

Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In what circumstances it was envisaged that the Secretary of State could have recorded further changes of vehicle keeper after he had issued a certificate of destruction under the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/2635).

Lord Davies of Oldham: Once a certificate of destruction ("CoD") has been issued for a vehicle there should be no further activity on the record—it is effectively deregistered. However, administrative arrangements will ensure that re-registration can take place where there has been a genuine mistake in the identity of the notified vehicle.

Rail Passenger Fatalities

Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many rail passenger fatalities there were in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available.

Lord Davies of Oldham: Details of the numbers of passenger fatalities on Britain's railways in the 10 years 1993–94 to 2002–03 provided by the Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate are set out in the table below:
	
		
			 Year National Rail London Underground Trams Other railways Total 
			 1993–94 11 6 — — 17 
			 1994–95 12 5 — — 17 
			 1995–96 9 2 — — 11 
			 1996–97 10 7 — — 17 
			 1997–98 20 5 1 — 26 
			 1998–99 19 1 — — 20 
			 1999–2000 40 7 — — 47 
			 2000–01 17 4 — — 21 
			 2001–02 9 4 — — 13 
			 2002–03 18 5 — — 23 
		
	
	Notes
	Trams are the tram systems of Blackpool, Croydon, Manchester, Sheffield and the West Midlands.
	Other railways include Docklands Light Railway, Tyne and Wear Metro, Glasgow Underground, Channel Tunnel and Heritage railways.
	The above data were collated under accident reporting legislation, reported by railways and tramways in Great Britain to HM Railway Inspectorate. The data include fatalities in train accidents (collisions, derailments, etc), fatalities involving a moving train (falls from train doors, falling off platforms in front of trains) and fatalities not involving trains but occuring on railway infrastructure (slips, trips and falls on platforms, falls on escalators etc).
	Further information on passenger fatalities can be found in the Health and Safety Executive's and the Chief Inspector of Railways' annual reports on railway safety, copies of which are held in both House Libraries.

Regulatory Impact Assessment

Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When they will publish an updated measurement of compliance with the regulatory impact assessment process.

Lord Bassam of Brighton: An updated measurement of the level of compliance with the regulatory impact assessment process is today being placed on the website of the Cabinet Office Regulatory Impact Unit. An exercise in November 2003 to establish a snapshot of the level of compliance provided a figure of 100 per cent. We will keep this under regular review.